PCLA Blog

Empowering the SoCal Parkinson’s Community with Helpful Guides, Articles, and Educational Resources.

How Parkinson’s Impacts the LGBTQ+ Community

How Parkinson’s Impacts the LGBTQ+ Community

Happy Pride Month! PCLA is committed to serving all members of the Parkinson’s community, especially those who are marginalized or face discrimination in the healthcare system. Members of the LGBTQ+ community experience unique barriers in healthcare, often leading to...

Freezing of Gait, Explained

Freezing of Gait, Explained

Freezing episodes can be one of the more frustrating and debilitating side effects of Parkinson’s. Freezing of gait refers to the temporary inability to move despite your best efforts. It may feel like you’re stuck in place and can impact different parts of the body,...

Top Walking Aids for PD [And Benefits of Using Them]

Top Walking Aids for PD [And Benefits of Using Them]

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that predominantly affects motor skills, leading to significant challenges in daily activities, including walking. As the disease progresses, some people may find mobility aids to be especially helpful...

Are Parkinson’s and Hearing Loss Connected?

Are Parkinson’s and Hearing Loss Connected?

May is Better Hearing & Speech Month! Parkinson's disease (PD) and hearing loss are two seemingly unrelated conditions affecting millions of people worldwide. Until recently, little has been known about the interplay of these conditions, but emerging research...

Is Parkinson’s A Disability?

Is Parkinson’s A Disability?

According to federal and state laws in the United States, Parkinson’s is considered a disability. However, “disability” is a broad term. It relates to both the physical and mental impacts of Parkinson’s disease, ranging from a person’s ability to perform basic daily...

Managing Fatigue with Parkinson’s Disease

Managing Fatigue with Parkinson’s Disease

Fatigue is a common and often debilitating symptom for people living with Parkinson's disease, affecting their quality of life significantly. Unlike ordinary tiredness, the fatigue associated with PD can be overwhelming, making it difficult for individuals to perform...

Vocal Exercises for PD: Benefits & Resources

Vocal Exercises for PD: Benefits & Resources

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder affecting movement, muscle control, and balance. However, its impact isn't limited to just physical aspects. PD can also significantly affect voice and speech. This is where the importance of vocal...

Exploring the Link Between Pneumonia & PD

Exploring the Link Between Pneumonia & PD

According to a 2020 study, pneumonia is the leading cause of death and the most common reason for hospital admissions in people living with Parkinson’s disease. Understanding the connection between Parkinson's disease and pneumonia, including its causes, treatments,...

Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Young-onset Parkinson's disease (YOPD) is a growing subset of people who develop the disease at a younger age, typically between the ages of 21 and 50.  YOPD (sometimes referred to as early-onset Parkinson’s disease) impacts roughly 4% of the 1M people living with...

PCLA News & Resources

A letter from Sarah King

A letter from Sarah King

To my friends in the Los Angeles Parkinson's community, It has been a pleasure to work with you over the last five years in my role with PCLA. I joined PCLA to form a deeper connection with families living with PD in our area, and to help you with the resources,...

read more
At-home fitness options for people with Parkinson’s

At-home fitness options for people with Parkinson’s

Looking for resources for exercising at home? There are a lot of great options out there, from pre-recorded videos you can watch on your own schedule, to live virtual group classes. Online exercise videos & YouTube channels PCLA’s Fun Fitness class on YouTube...

read more
Ralphs Community Rewards program now donates to PCLA

Ralphs Community Rewards program now donates to PCLA

PCLA is now enrolled in the Ralphs Community Rewards program, which means we earn donations when you shop for groceries!   HOW IT WORKS: If you have a Ralphs reward card, you can enroll in the Community Rewards Program with PCLA as your charity of choice. The...

read more
Resources for Parkinson’s research news

Resources for Parkinson’s research news

What to stay up-to-date on the latest in Parkinson's research news? Check out the following resources, and don't forget to join us on Thursday, July 28, for an update on the latest in research from Dr. Jeff Bronstein and his research team at UCLA. Watch Dr....

read more
A Tribute to Dad

A Tribute to Dad

Join PCLA in celebrating the amazing fathers in our community! Honor a dad you love -- and help family's living with Parkinson's disease -- by making a donation to PCLA in his name. Add a special message with your donation, if you like, and we will post it here. If...

read more
A Tribute to Moms

A Tribute to Moms

Join PCLA in celebrating the amazing mothers in our community! Honor a mom you love by making a donation to PCLA in her name.Add a special message with your donation, if you like, and we will post it here. If you'd like to include a photo, please email it to us...

read more

Latest Research

Help Support PCLA

Serving Los Angeles Parkinson’s families